Alleluia, Christ is risen, He is risen indeed Alleluia And so we gather. In the name of the Father…

You come for us when we have strayed, Lord have mercy. Lord, have mercy. You draw us to yourself, Christ have mercy Christ, have mercy. Your love conquers all, Lord have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Father Shepherd, we gather today in recognition that Jesus, your Son, is our Good Shepherd, and just like a sheep is safe when with a shepherd we are safe with you. so we are called to follow Jesus. Amen.

Alleluia, Alleluia

A Reading from the Holy Gospel of St. John Glory to you, O Lord The Gospel of the Lord Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ

Alleluia, Alleluia

What name do we give to a person who cares for a flock of sheep? Do most sheep appear to look the same to you? How does a shepherd tell them apart? Do we all look alike? How do you think Jesus tells us apart? Why did Jesus describe himself as ‘The Good Shepherd’?

We invite you to come and collect a sheep to remind you that we are all followers of Jesus, that he knows all of us and he will always come to find us

As brothers and sisters in one loving family let us pray together: Christ the Good Shepherd Lord calls us to follow him; let us pray that Christians everywhere will hear his voice and answer his call. Lord in your mercy..... Lord hear our prayer. Christ the Good Shepherd gave up his life for us; let us pray for those who have suffered and died in his name. Lord, in your mercy... Lord hear our prayer. Christ the Good Shepherd protects us from harm; let us pray for people endangered by war. Lord, in your mercy... Lord hear our prayer. Christ the Good Shepherd knows each of us by name; let us pray for people who feel unloved or alone. Lord, in your mercy... Lord hear our prayer

Knowing that our heavenly Father is listening, in the silence of our hearts let us share our unspoken prayers with him. Amen

Loving Father, Listen to the prayers of your faithful flock and unite us in your love. May we hear and answer Christ’s call, as he leads us to share eternal life with you. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen

DO NOT BE AFRAID Do not be afraid, for I have redeemed you. I have called you by your name; you are mine. When you walk through the waters, I ’ ll be with you; you will never sink beneath the waves. Do not be afraid, for I have redeemed you. I have called you by your name; you are mine.

When the fire is burning all around you, you will never be consumed by the flames. Do not be afraid, for I have redeemed you. I have called you by your name; you are mine. When the fear of loneliness is looming, then remember I am at your side. Do not be afraid, for I have redeemed you. I have called you by your name; you are mine.